Back to School Spa Party

  A new school year is almost here and I'm sure everyone is excited to get back to school. Like some people, I have important exams to write in the new school year. What I've learnt is that worry and studying makes you stressed and your skin suffers the most. I got this idea from Teen Vogue and I'm sharing it with all of you. Get a couple of your friends and have some beauty fun!
       

Amid the mad rush to buy all of your school supplies and figure out what you're going to wear on the first day of class, don’t forget to also focus on your skin! All it takes is a few simple steps to ensure your complexion is in great, glowing shape for the big day.

For the best results, start a few weeks in advance by regularly using a daily cleanser that’s not too drying. “If you have relatively clear skin, pick a mild one that also dissolves makeup, and make sure you wash your face in the morning and at night to remove dirt and debris,” says New Orleans-based dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. If your skin tends to break out, “Look for products with anti-microbial ingredients to kill bacteria and salicylic acid to clear pores, like Philosophy’s On A Clear Day cleanser, ” she adds. On top of that, use a very gentle exfoliating product twice a week to help brighten your complexion.

Two weeks before, invite your friends over for a weekend spa party. (After all, who says caring for your skin can’t also be fun!) “Serve them Spa Water: In a pitcher of ice water, add thinly sliced cucumber,” suggests Elizabeth TenHouten, a former skincare analyst for Prescriptives and author of Cooking Well: Beautiful Skin. If your skin could use a boost of hydration, try a Lavender Steam Facial. Simply bring a medium pot of water to a high heat (almost boiling), take it off the stove, and add a few drops of calming lavender oil. Pull your hair back and lean over the pot with a towel over your head, letting the steam open your pores. “Take five deep, relaxing breaths, and then pat your face with an ice cold, damp washcloth,” says TenHouten. Then, seal in the moisture with a light moisturizer. Makeup artist Jenna Menard prefers prepping the skin with a mist before applying lotion. “By misting your skin first, it opens up the pores in order to maximize hydration!” she says. “I like Shu Uemura’s Depsea Water Facial Mist because it comes in many different scents.”

Sticking to this regimen will help improve the quality of your skin before you head back to school, but if you have any lingering bumps, don’t stress—cover them up like a pro! “I like using a concealer palette that includes a few different shades, like Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette, so you can blend your exact color, whether the blemish is on your cheek, chin, or nose,” says Menard. Make sure to keep blotting papers in your bag to combat shine. And last, but not least, resist touching your face. “Your hands collect lots of bacteria throughout the day, and touching your face is just asking for a breakout,” reminds Menard. “Keep your hands on your books!”

Wake Up Your Makeup Series: The make-up virgin

                              Developing your own beauty style means prioritizing what matters most to you and what makes you feel good. The essence of this series is to help people who are not comfortable with make-up. Today, we are talking about the make- up virgin.She has no idea that make-up helps to enhance the natural beauty of a person and that there is nothing wrong with using just a little make-up. Here are some facts about her:

• She is an adult who has no clue about make-up.
• Her make-up skills are remedial to nil.
• She is uncomfortable with the idea of make-up and foundation.

Solution: Start slowly; buy foundation and powder that match your skin tone and lip sticks or glosses that are sheer. Practice, practice, practice until you are  comfortable.

This article was culled from tw magazine. Today's woman magazine.

Trendy Pants

                 Satisfy your trouser addiction by choosing from the different trendy male inspired fashion wear. From the harem pants to the skinny jeans, there is a refreshingly new and sexy twist to this look.

Crop Pants:  For a wow look pair crop pants with cute fitted tee. Cuts that end on the ankle make petite girls look taller.

Harem Pants: Harem pants give skinny girls the illusion of curves. Wear with very high heels and full blown attitude to complete this stylish look.


There are more trendy pants but for today, rock these two looks.

Trends: Leggings Jeans

Leggings are a very huge trend right now. If you are a leggings kind of girl then this is great news for you. One of the best trends right now is the leggings jeans trend. It's just leggings made out of jeans and they are really cute. You can wear them with a top, under a skirt or under a dress. They are very comfortable and light. Some are really light while some are made of thicker material so you have a whole range to choose from.

 Even stars have been seen rocking this trend. So what are you waiting for? Get yours today!

 

How To Do A Braided Ponytail

Stand out with this funky take on your typical pony tail:

1. Blow-dry hair straight to make it easier to braid. Make a deep side part, then used a mixed bristle brush to smooth down frizz and flyaways.
2. Start French-braiding a three-inch piece of hair at the full side of your part. Continue down your head.
3. Pull the rest of your hair into a low side ponytail, leaving a two-inch piece of hair (might need to be larger, depending on the thickness of your hair) outside of the ponytail.
4. Wrap the piece around the top of your ponytail, securing with a bobby-pin.
5. Spritz with hairspray for hold.

Six Summer Must Haves

Summer! Summer! Summer! That's the word on everybody's mouth. Summer has it's own accessories and method of dressing and here are the must haves for summer;

 Floppy Sun Hats: Floppy sun hats are really good for sumer because they make you look cute and cuddly while protecting your face and neck from the strong rays of the sun. Looking cute and healthy at the same time, what a combo!

 Espadrilles: Espadrilles are really cute shoes. They are very comfortable too. I wear espadrilles a lot. They are a definite summer must have.

 Maxi Dresses:  Maxi dresses have been in vogue since spring and just becaue it's summer doesn't mean that trend has to stop. Wear your maxi dress in bold prints, bright colours and flower patterns. Just pair them up with a floppy sun hat and you are good to go.

 Sunglasses: They are really cute and they protect your eyes while making your outfit look sopihisticated.

 Tanks: Tanks are very fun and girly. They are very comfortable to wear and you can wear them to the beach if you don't want to wear a swimsuit.  You can get them at very cheap prices and in different prints and colors. What are you waiting for?  Get them!

 Shorts: Shorts are so preppy and versatile. They come in different colours and materials. Shorts and tanks go together. Just add some chic accessories like hoop earrings, bracelets and long chunky necklaces.